Most people adore the look and feel of real hardwood floors, but your wallet might not be as big of a fan of those lovely planks. If you want your home to be done completely in wood, that can cost a pretty penny. But then, you’ve been hearing about engineered hardwood. It’s understandable to wonder, “what’s that?” And how is it different from normal hardwood? Well, we’re here to answer those questions and break it all down today by explaining exactly what engineered hardwood is and how it compares to the beauty and durability of real hardwood.
Solid hardwood is what the name implies: a plank milled from a tree made entirely of that wood. It is often about 3/4 of an inch thick and has all of the beautiful patterns and colors that you can find in nature. It’s durability and hardness vary based on the species of tree, and you can buy it either finished or unfinished.
Engineered hardwood is actual wood that has been laid on a plywood or ply base. You might also see high-density fiberboard as a base as well. That base stabilizes the wood and keeps it from growing or buckling over the years. People used to think of engineered hardwood as a poor imitation of solid hardwood, but recent advances in the production process have now given engineered hardwood a solid ground to stand on. So, let’s see how it compares to solid hardwood.
Cost
It’s no secret that engineered hardwood is often a little easier on the budget than solid hardwood. On average, engineered wood floors are priced at around $3.39/square foot, although they can go up to $14/square foot, depending on the species you choose. For solid hardwood, the range is more like $8-15/square foot. So, if you’re looking for that special shine that only wood floors can give you, but you don’t want to break the bank, engineered hardwood floors are here for you.
Additionally, the cost to the environment is less with engineered wood flooring because you use less actual wood, so you can make the cover the amount of square footage with a smaller tree or fewer trees than with solid wood flooring.
Durability
Unlike solid hardwoods, engineered hardwoods can be used on concrete substrates. You wouldn’t be able to use solid hardwoods there because that concrete can be prone to moisture, which can cause the solid wood to warp and crack. Engineered hardwood, on the other hand, has a special barrier underneath the wooden top, which protects it from said humidity. That means that places, like a basement or sunken living room, which are anywhere considered below ground level, are not a good place for solid hardwood floors.
However, keep in mind that just because engineered hardwood can handle a little more moisture than solid hardwood, that doesn’t mean it can handle a waterfall. That being said, this means that your bathrooms will probably need a different type of flooring that doesn’t involve any type of wood, regardless of how the wood planks were put together or what kind of moisture barrier you’ve installed. You don’t want to take the chance that your brand-new beautiful floors will start to warp and crack soon after installation.
Engineered hardwood also has the same benefits as solid hardwood in that you can sand it down and refinish it without worrying about taking away too much of the board. Obviously, solid wood can be sanded and refinished many more times than engineered hardwood, but they can both take a fair share of it. Good quality engineered wood flooring can last between 25-30 years, as long as you take good care of it. That’s a pretty decent lifetime, although solid hardwood can last up to 100 years with proper care.
A popular finish is called Aluminum Oxide, and it is a urethane finish. It coats the wood with a shield that is exceptionally durable and resistant to daily wear and tear. Though it may make your floors slightly harder to repair in the event that something does manage to damage them, Aluminum Oxide finished floors are some of the most durable floors you can buy.
Aesthetics
The engineered hardwood planks are finished at the factory, so you know exactly what they’ll look like in your home. However, there are plenty of species and colors to choose from, and that’s before you delve into the artistic touches of hand-scraping or different finishes. Think about what type of wood will look amazing in your home and whether you can get away with softer woods or need the increased durability of harder woods.
For example, Acacia is tougher and won’t get dented or nicked as easily as a softer wood. Keep in mind how much foot traffic a certain area of the house gets and whether or not your family includes furry friends. Pets, especially dogs, add certain wear and tear to your floors that you’ll likely want to prevent with a tougher wood. Check how the wood species scores on the Janka Hardness Scale to get a better idea of how well it will work in your home and with your family.
Additionally, if you’re replacing your floors with the thought of the resale value of your home in mind, then solid hardwood definitely wins out. Most people can’t tell the difference with just a quick glance, and they won’t turn up their noses at the engineered version, but some people are purists or want floors that can last up to a century. The prestige of having solid wood flooring can be a real selling point for real estate agents and homeowners alike, so if you’re flipping a house and can afford it, consider opting for solid hardwood instead of engineered wood.
Installation
As you may know, engineered hardwood is an extremely popular type of flooring right now, and that’s not likely to change anytime soon. One reason so many do-it-yourself people like engineered hardwood is that you can buy planks that have adhesive on the back. That way, you can create the wall or floor of your dreams without having to hire a professional contractor or have a lot of woodworking experience and know-how. Engineered hardwood flooring has the same ease of installation that you would find with laminated flooring, which means you can glue or nail the boards down, or you can float them over most subfloors. This is a definite advantage when it comes to installation.
If you want to install your engineered wood floors yourself, it’ll still be a big job, but it’s certainly easier than installing your own solid wood floors. With engineered hardwood flooring, start by letting your engineered wood get used to your home’s natural humidity levels by letting it sit out for a few days. If you use solid wood planks, they will need to acclimate for two or three weeks, so definitely keep this in mind. Most engineered wood planks are tongue-and-groove, which means they’re quite easy to lay and fit together: another added plus!
Maintenance
Once they’re installed and looking better than ever, remember, just because your engineered hardwood floors are durable doesn’t mean your engineered wood is completely life proof. You’ll still have to vacuum or sweep it on a regular basis to prevent dirt from abrading the surface and wearing away that bright shine you love so much! You must also mop up any spills immediately to prevent the moisture from warping the wood, and don’t use harsh chemicals or wax-based cleaners on your floors. Instead, try gentler wood cleaners that are made specifically for your engineered wood flooring.
Settle in and enjoy the brilliance and beauty of your new engineered hardwood floors. They may come with a smaller price tag, but they sure do come with a big look everyone’s sure to love!
Sources
https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/engineered-hardwood-flooring/
https://www.thespruce.com/engineered-hardwood-vs-solid-flooring-1821677
